A dispersal zone covering much of Kingston riverside was put in place yesterday evening (Fri 11 June) after reports of anti-social behaviour.

A boy was assaulted on Penrhyn Road and left with serious injuries and there were also reports of underage drinking by a large gathering of youths.

The order was issued at around 9.30pm on Friday evening and will remain in place for 48 hours.

As well as covering much of Kingston riverside, the zone also covers areas in Bushy Park.

In a statement posted to social media today (Saturday 12 June), Kingston Police said: "After multiple calls complaining about the ASB [anti-social behaviour] caused by a large gathering of youths, a section 35 dispersal order was put in place.

"The group was drinking whilst under age alongside the Kingston Riverside,

"One male from the group was found with serious injuries following an assault in Penrhyn Road, Kingston which is being investigated.

"The dispersal order began at 21:35hrs on Friday the 11th June and will remain in place for 48hrs.

"It covers Kingston Riverside (Canbury gardens to Eagle Brewery Wharf) and a large section Bushy Park."

What is a section 35 dispersal order?

A dispersal order gives officers and PCSOs additional powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in a specific location.

Where a dispersal zone is in place, it is a crime to:

- Fail to comply with a direction given by a police officer or PCSO to disperse from the area

- Fail to surrender items likely to cause anti-social behaviour, on request of a police officer or PCSO

- Return within a specified period after being directed to disperse from the area.

Nub News will continue to bring you updates on this story.